Climatic Factors
South Dakota has a continental type
climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Because it's northern
location, (ranging approximately 43-46 degrees North latitude), the growing
season is relatively short. The state receives annual precipitation levels
(ranging approximately 12-24" per year). These conditions provide slightly less
favorable crop growing conditions for similar crops growing in states to the
east and south. Growing Degree Days (GDD) and annual precipitation are greatest
in the southeast corner of the state and decreases toward the
northwest.
South Dakota ranks high in many categories of agricultural production. Agricultural is the greatest contributor to the state's GNP. To support this large industry, there is an extensive agricultural research component managed by the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at South Dakota State University to examine the interaction of soil management and crop production at multiple locations throughout the state.